So…What’s the Big Deal About Greenville, SC?

Have you seen and heard “Greenville, SC” on top-ten lists of places to visit or relocate, but you have no idea why? Well, let me help you out! Based on just talking to our guests, I can tell you people rave about the food, the clean, well-lit streets, the friendly people, and the walkability of the city. And while those are all fabulous reasons to love Greenville, you may want to hear a little more about some of our standout features.

Falls Park on the Reedy is a great place to start while talking about downtown. Originally used as hunting grounds, the Reedy River Falls were later utilized to power multiple mills. Over the years, pollution and neglect of that area’s natural beauty had taken its toll, and that’s when the Carolina Foothills Garden Club, along with a few other groups, reclaimed 26 acres and started a forty-year beautification project. Gorgeous today and still getting better!

1907 Post card with view of the falls

With the help of a landscape architect, the removal of the old Camperdown Bridge (that blocked the view of the falls), countless gardeners, lots of clean-up crews, and the addition of the Liberty Bridge, Falls Park on the Reedy is the evergreen city center you see today. Described as “an ultra-lightweight bridge, which almost looks like it’s floating on air,” the 345-foot-long, curved Liberty Bridge gives pedestrians a bird’s-eye view of the falls and park. Home to flowering garden beds, Shakespeare in the Park, Moonlight Movies, and the Reedy River Duck Derby, it’s also a wonderful spot to picnic, take photos, or simply sit on a park bench to enjoy the mix of nature and city in one spot.

Once you’ve enjoyed the view of the falls from the curve of the bridge, down on the ground, or at the crest while having a tasty treat from Carmella’s Café and Dessert Bar, you can stroll around the park looking at all the other hidden gems. Remains of the historic grist mill, the Medusa tree, or the hidden Spring Falls all lend to the beauty of Falls Park.

One of my favorite ways to view art is when it’s not confined to a museum (although I will say the Greenville County Museum of Art is worth checking out). Fortunately for me, there is plenty to see here! In the parks, along Main Street, and on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, you will find varying pieces to engage the imagination or provoke thought, sometimes both! From murals to statues, these pieces can be as little as the bronze Mice on Main or as large as the eight-story photorealistic mural of Pearlie Harris on the Canvas Tower. There is a wonderful online map from the city to ensure you don’t miss anything, and there are numerous art galleries, in case you need to take some home with you.

Main Street downtown Greenville itself is also a big draw to the area. Plenty of independent boutiques as well as big-name national brands to shop to your heart’s delight. Specialty shops for jewelry and cosmetics, clothing, local soaps, booksellers, Greenville swag, or Plant Stella, that sells boba and does DIY terrariums! The culinary scene is also not to be missed. Greenville originals like Soby’s, Trattoria Giorgio, and North Hampton Wine + Dine are just the start of all the great food you will find here. From Persian to Greek, Belgian-inspired to Afghan. Just ask us for recommendations, and we can point you to our favorite burger (Windy City), dessert (Coral), garlic bread (Trio), or just about anything else you may be looking for. Check out our Everything Local page for a list of some of our favorites. The drinks situation is just as extensive! Breweries, wine bars (some with rooftop views), coffees, and mocktails can all be found as well.

Greenville is rich in all of this as well as theaters, musical venues, outdoor spaces, and more. So the next time someone asks if you want to visit Greenville, don’t hesitate. Give us a call!

🎭 Week 1: September 1 – 6

🎭 Week 2: September 7 – 13

🎭 Week 3: September 14 – 20

🎭 Week 4: September 21 – 27